Profile Setup¶
Use this dialog to determine where cross-sections should be generated. The starting point is a standard profile distance, but several other parameters also determine where extra profiles are created.
Where to Find the Dialog¶
In Line Definition, select Profiles - Setup.
Extra Profiles¶
With the options Densification Angle, Max Circular Deviation XY, and Max Circular Deviation Z, you can automatically generate intermediate profiles in curves.
Densification Angle applies only to horizontal curvature. If the angle between two consecutive cross-sections (direction change) exceeds the specified value, an intermediate profile will be created. The angle is specified in degrees (360-degree system), and 0 means no densification.
Table of Densification Angles:¶
| Radius | Profile Distance 5 meters | Profile Distance 10 meters | Profile Distance 20 meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 28.65 | 57.30 | 114.59 |
| 20 | 14.32 | 28.65 | 57.30 |
| 50 | 5.73 | 11.46 | 22.92 |
| 100 | 2.86 | 5.73 | 11.46 |
| 200 | 1.43 | 2.86 | 5.73 |
| 500 | 0.57 | 1.15 | 2.29 |
| 1000 | 0.29 | 0.57 | 1.15 |
This is calculated using the following formula: ANGLE CHANGE = (PROFILE DISTANCE * 180) / (PI * RADIUS)
Tip
How do you use the table? Here is a simple example. If you have a profile distance of 10 meters and want double density at a radius of 50 meters or less, you should use 11.46 as the densification angle.
With the Max Circular Deviation XY option, you set the maximum allowed deviation (sagitta) between straight lines and horizontal curvature. Intermediate profiles are created until the requirement is met.
The figure shows: A = Cross-sections, B = Horizontal curvature, C = Sagitta
With the Max Circular Deviation Z option, you set the maximum allowed deviation (sagitta) between straight lines and vertical curvature. Intermediate profiles are created until the requirement is met.
The figure shows: A = Cross-sections, B = Vertical curvature, C = Sagitta
The option Extra Profiles at Parameter Changes is relevant for roads. Roads can be described using three different methods:
- Road Parameters (Parametric)
- Road Parameters (Manual)
- Road Parameters (3D Lines)
Info
How does this option work? When this option is active, cross-sections are created so that all changes in the normal profile are captured. For the parametric and manual methods, this means profiles are created where the road surfaces change width or slope. For the 3D line method, profiles are created where there is a break between two consecutive line segments.
The figure illustrates extra profiles at parameter changes
The option At Curve Points creates profiles at all curve and break points along the centerline. This also applies to angle points in vertical curvature.
The option At Points in Application Layer solves the need to generate cross-sections that pass through specific points on the map, such as special points in a nearby structure. The prerequisite is that you have digitized these points of interest in an application layer. You select the application layer using the button with three dots.
Note
By default, the program searches for points 200 meters to each side of the centerline. If you have selected a left/right distance greater than 200 meters, the program will use those values instead.
Tilt Cross-Sections Normal to Vertical Curvature¶
With this option, you can tilt the cross-sections so that they are normal to the vertical curvature after generation. By default, the program generates the profiles vertically. It is common to check this option for tunnel projects.
The figure shows: A = Terrain surface, B = Vertical curvature, C = Cross-section (vertical and tilted)
Warning
Note that you can only generate tilted profiles against a triangulated network. You will receive an error message if you try to generate tilted profiles against a terrain grid.
Automatic Height Adjustment¶
When you generate cross-sections with two layers in the model, it may happen that rock (06:rock) is higher than soil (01:soil).
Illustration of a situation where rock is higher than soil
Info
This is not possible in practice, but it can occur with two surveyed models. Therefore, you can specify that the program should handle these cases automatically.
Create Longitudinal Profile from Cross-Section Data¶
Longitudinal and cross-sections are generated and stored independently in the SFI model. By checking this option, the longitudinal profile will be created from the center heights of the cross-sections. This happens after the cross-sections are generated.
Example
This option is used, for example, in simple design of forest roads where there is no terrain model. In these cases, you walk along the centerline in the terrain and profile cross-sections, for example, every 10 meters.